Channel 4 re-aired an anger-inducing episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody last night (December 16). In an episode, which originally aired back in 2021, viewers watched on in disgust as the story of Paul Jenner's death unfolded.
The shocking programme shed a light on male victims of domestic abuse - a subject sadly often overlooked - as Sherry Naidoo's repeated assaults on her partner resulted in tragedy.
The episode saw the police called to the scene of an attack on a man left badly injured at a home in Bedfordshire, which later turned out to be Naidoo's partner, Paul. The victim was transferred to hospital where he received urgent treatment for brain trauma after suffering two bleeds to the brain.
What happened to Paul Jenner?
Paul Jenner was assaulted by his girlfriend Sherry Naidoo, which led to his eventual death 12 days later.
Paul had hoped that Naidoo would reform after previously serving six months in prison for grievous bodily harm against him. However, the abuse continued - sadly resulting in the loss of his life.
At Luton police HQ, where the show is located, investigating officer Alicia Lawrence revealed that she recognised the man as the victim of a previous assault. It was then revealed that the officer had previously worked on trying to get Paul to admit what had happened - but he refused.
She said: "Paul has always been loyal to Sherry. When I look back at the history there have been so many assaults. But Paul wouldn’t name them."
However in a turn of events, in a deeply saddening scene, Paul was then heard making a 999 call made from hospital where he finally decided to confess what had been going on. He said: "I’ve been violently attacked again by my partner. I’m in intensive care. She’s been in prison for six months and she’s come out and done it to me again.
"I’ve just got to get out the relationship now haven’t I?" The call handler responded: "Yes, I would say so. People who love you don’t hurt you like that."
The television audience learned Paul had suffered a heart attack and that he’d fallen into a coma six days after the police visited him in hospital.
After an inquest in Ampthill in February 2021, coroner Sean Cummings recorded a conclusion of unlawful killing.
He said: "After hearing the evidence I consider that it is likely beyond the balance of probability that Sherry Naidoo did subject Paul Jenner to a violent assault and that assault put in train a sequence of events that led to his death."
What happened to Sherry Naidoo?
After Paul Jenner contacted 999, Sherry Naidoo was arrested and brought to Luton Police Station where she was held in custody.
Despite the severity of her actions, Naidoo was cleared of both murder and manslaughter charges during her trial. She pleaded guilty only to assault and received an 18-month prison sentence.
